HYDERABAD: Public Health Director Dr. G Srinivas Rao recommended a complete isolation of one week for all political leaders, party workers and those actively campaigning for the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) elections amid fears of a spread of the SARS-Cov 2 infection causing Covid-19.
Road shows, padayatras and public gatherings brought together large numbers of people from the city and from abroad. People were very close to each other, and the Covid protocol was approved on many occasions. There was also a lot of movement of leaders from different states towards the city, which also allowed the movement of viruses and their subsequent transmission.
The fatigue felt by all those involved in electoral campaigns could lead to a compromised immune state as well as being a slip for the virus to attack. Dr Prabhu C, Senior Consultant, who has treated more than 1,000 Covid-19 patients, says: “The traveling shows have allowed the infection to spread. We will see an increase in positive cases at GHMC limits within the next 10-15 days. It is best if they are quarantined for the next 15 days. The spread of infection can be reduced by isolating themselves from family members. “
Experts say that those who are immunosuppressed such as diabetes, heart problems and respiratory diseases will be more vulnerable. Symptoms of severe fatigue, restlessness, breathing problems, wheezing, loss of smell and taste, cough, cold, and fever should be evaluated. Those who have been active participants in the electoral process should remember that it is this act of his that has caused these symptoms, health officials said on condition of anonymity.
Dr. Srinivas Rao says: “We are not an exception to the virus. Telangana has the lowest number of active cases with 9,266 and the lowest mortality rate with 0.53 percent. We have the highest recovery rate of 96.03 percent. As the cold season will intensify and the impact of the GHMC elections, we have been prompted to issue these preventive guidelines. Anyone with symptoms should be tested almost immediately. “
The department has also urged people not to go out unless absolutely necessary. They have asked people to follow protocols and stay safe, as their laxity could cause a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.
Medical experts say the public health department’s notice is too late because a lot of damage has already been done. A senior doctor, on condition of anonymity, wonders: “Why did they allow elections in the first place? Wasn’t health a priority then? What will this advice be for as many are already exposed? Only those who are immunologically strong will have mild symptoms, while others will require medical support and treatment. “
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